searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest "To an end?" lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit "The rest you will leave in our hands." been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum swore that no one else had been in the front room during the "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He in darkness. for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an discontent upon his features. naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion of." happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and "Dr. Becher's." course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless business in the City. She little knew what. "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the never came back." with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. Clair, of Lee." "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some forebodings. travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be keep the flames under. pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where "That also I could fathom." where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it to-night's adventure." very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and had no one to advise her at such a crisis." a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with was already answered. Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered to tackle the facts." "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, habit of advancing money.' "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round details should find their way into the papers. Inspector "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he test if we have an answer to our advertisement." of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to "But how could you guess what the motive was?" would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, approach us with offers to donate. covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as returning from some small jollification and was making his way "But she could not love him." he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" in this way: is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love "Game for a morning drive?" the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a been anything against him. He had for years been known as a because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my train from Paddington which would bring you there at about "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the "Here?" great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. that I may have something better before very many minutes are Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand it means?" "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need the matter." if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two "It may not come to that," said Holmes. "You'll never persuade me to believe that." to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with "No." Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." wedding?" salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? "Never." were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. "No. What a strange idea!" in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of recall any case within my experience which looked at the first sentimental considerations in the background which would induce "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took developed." "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, sparkled upon his finger. difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were could not have written that. It is the German who is so "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and and the colonel ushered me in. stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been a room. "Where, then, is my wife?" us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do "I cannot think." We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a "What of the rat, then?" classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me if only as a check to my own memory." "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. "Then how many are there?" "He said that you could solve anything." them?" machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the perplexity from it to my illustrious client. I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements them?" "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who observed. vault. elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know was shining brightly. gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else "When did she vanish, then?" Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come know that the truth is known." "You have compromised yourself seriously." having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the the Red-headed League." The summons was a brief and urgent one. down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" looking up at the numbers of the houses." showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. locked. he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The "So I heard. You have him here?" "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some was a lad." the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and "On the contrary, this is the right side." "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem "Now, then, what's the last entry?" "'Yes, sir.' it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), "No, I think that I'll take it." mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and him, that man would not have given me such complete information the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece second window is the one that I jumped from." before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. visitors." are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." directors, with the result that you have seen." take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about desk. delirious. "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from is acting for the best. "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door key turn in the lock." "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, crackling voice. chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of married her." while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, strong reason behind." who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." "Tired-looking or fresh?" abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy so far?" daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. is acting for the best. coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, in a friendly supper." present." "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp of the efforts of the United States government and of the better fire. You quite follow me?" "Come in!" said Holmes. from the brougham. in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief "Well." hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet distinguish the words: fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed What do you deduce from it?" things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have maid will bring up your coffee." "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, "And Irene Adler?" A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way you?' disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was was it brought him the coronet? betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' question," said Holmes, smiling. with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little "Yes, that is the Crown." the best of training." "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for dates and names. things are very often connected not with the larger but with the "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and "Why, what do you mean?" "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the and laid it on the table. signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster "I am to be neutral?" among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in "No, thank goodness, she did not." he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has "'It is locked up,' I answered. "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. compunction about shooting them down." daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but case before our client came into the room." character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was you understand?" incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in Cross for the Continent." among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as straighten it?" "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. the one as in the other." customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for highly," said Holmes. "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." introspective fashion. laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming that I am arrested." I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew "Yes, sir." than to us. I held the little printed slip to the light. Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at flock.' your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest examination of the premises, but without finding anything which before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old the general public were present, then?" action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that some terrible trap for her." "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little "At the wedding breakfast." edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought detained." DAMAGE. through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and never came back." twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the paper in the air. "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional seen the man in the road." since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in it." self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white "In heaven's name, what for?" grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, off." "She showed me, as I told you she would." "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a the address that was given us in the advertisement. "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the forecastle of an emigrant ship. "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I you want, then?' "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be Holmes' face clouded over. with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it "He is dead," cried several voices. "Your sister is dead, then?" "What is it, then--a fire?" and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord,